07 Nov Design for Manufacturability in Plastics: A Smarter Approach to Product Development
The success of a product depends not solely on its functionality, but on its manufacturability. As a plastics manufacturer, Quantum Plastics is often asked to produce a part that has already been designed. Frequently, we discover details in that design that raise production issues and, by extension, increase production costs.
The best parts are not only functional but also efficient to manufacture, and that is where Design for Manufacturability in plastics (DFM) comes into play. The most effective way to make use of your manufacturing partners is to include them as early as possible in the design process to advise on factors that will influence the manufacturability of your part without compromising its performance.
What is Design for Manufacturability in Plastics?
Design for Manufacturability in plastics is the practice of shaping product designs around the realities of the molding process. Instead of waiting until tooling is complete to identify problems, DFM anticipates them from the beginning. This proactive approach means the production process can be optimized to minimize tool changes and maximize tool life, while reducing revisions, decreasing waste, and providing a smoother path to more economical full-scale production.
DFM in Practice
Plastics are used in everything from automotive components and medical housings to consumer products and industrial equipment. A single design oversight, such as inconsistent wall thickness or poorly placed gates, can increase production costs and/or lead to built-in quality issues. DFM addresses these risks proactively during the design phase by focusing on details like:
- Material selection: Resin choice impacts strength, shrinkage, finish, and durability.
- Wall thickness: Consistency prevents sink marks, warpage, and voids.
- Draft angles: Proper draft ensures parts eject cleanly, protecting both molds and cycle times.
- Gate and runner placement: Smart placement promotes even filling and stronger parts.
When these considerations help shape the design, manufacturers and customers alike benefit from improved efficiency, functionality, and often extended tool life.
DFM at Quantum Plastics
The engineering team at Quantum works alongside our customers from the earliest stages of concepting and design, using advanced simulation tools to evaluate mold flow, cooling, and stress points. With this insight, we refine designs for manufacturability before tooling begins.
Quantum Plastics will create a 3D printed mold to simulate what the production mold will look like, or to demonstrate a recommended design improvement to the client.
In our six facilities across the U.S. and Mexico, Quantum offers an unsurpassed breadth of expertise and capabilities, a comprehensive range of materials, and an array of plastic molding technologies. Our technical range and variable production capacity ensure we are the right fit for any plastics project.
By aligning design and production from the start, Quantum helps customers reduce costs, improve product quality, and accelerate time to market.
Design Smart & Build Smart with Quantum DFM
Smarter design leads to smarter manufacturing. To give your next plastics project the best shot at success, collaborate with Quantum Plastics at the outset. Reach out today to find out more about our DFM practices.